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Abstract

A network structure and a signalling protocol for a telecommunication network. The nodes of the communication network are interconnected by a connection network as well as a signalling network. Computer software controlling the communication equipment of each node is divided into two types of software, connection related software and service related software. Connection related software groups of different nodes communicate with each other via a first protocol while service related software groups of different nodes communicate via a second protocol different from the first protocol. Between an originating node of a call and the terminating node of the same call a direct signalling path is established in the signalling network allowing for the addition of new service features in the originating and terminating nodes without the need to implement the new service features in the inbetween nodes via which the same call is routed in the connection network. A general signalling protocol supports the addition of new service features to existing nodes as well as the execution and management of the new services and the services already existing in the telecommunication network. The signalling protocol is divided into a basic protocol and one or more service specific protocols called dialogues. The basic protocol is used to establish a signalling path between service related software groups in the originating and terminating nodes and to establish dialogues along the signalling path. This allows for a modular addition/removal of dialogues to the basic protocol which remains unchanged.

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First Claim